Heisenberg-Scaling Characterization of a Two-Channel Optical Network via Two-Port Homodyne Detection
Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 010801 – Published 1 July, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/y9wq-hhg2
Abstract
We present a fully Gaussian and experimentally feasible scheme for the simultaneous estimation of the four real parameters that characterize a two-channel optical network. The scheme utilizes a two-mode squeezed probe and balanced homodyne detection at both output ports, for which we derive the complete classical Fisher information matrix analytically. Our scheme achieves the Heisenberg-scaling sensitivity for all four parameters simultaneously, enabling full multiparameter characterization of the two-channel interferometric network. We further show, by maximum-likelihood estimation, that the corresponding multiparameter Cramér-Rao bounds are saturated with a modest number of experimental repetitions and for low photon number. The scheme establishes a practical route to Heisenberg-scaling multiparameter Gaussian metrology for a two-channel network, with direct relevance to calibration and sensing in integrated photonics and distributed quantum-enhanced measurement architectures.
